Decent Bargain Miter Gauge?

[JoeyGee]

Are there any decent bargain miter gauges (~$30 or less) availale anywhere? I plan to use my SMT for most things, but I will soon be adding the dual miter table and would like to have a miter gauge for a finger joint jig among other uses. I know I can build it without a MG, but I would still like to have one around.

[Knottscott]

The better aftermarket gauges tend to start ~ $50...Incra V27, Woodhaven Basic, for example...they sometimes go on sale for closer to $40. Ebay might have some deals for you, or maybe you can find a good used one in the free classifieds here or on another forum.

If you don't plan to do alot of angle work with it, it shouldn't be hard to come up with something in that price range that can be accurately dialed to 90 degrees. The better gauges have the advantage of having an accurate protractor across the entire range. They also have adjustments to take up slop in the miter bar, but that can be managed with some tricks.

Good luck.

[sparkeyjames]

For what it's worth here ya go. $34.99


http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00929937000

[JoeyGee]

I should have expected a little "price creep". I think I will end up with the Incra V27. Amazon has it right around $50.

[Ken Massingale]

You won't regret going for the V27. If you have the same experience as a lot of us you will find yourself using the SMT less.

[gatordogs2]

Dumb newbie question, but what exactly is a miter guage used for and on what tools?

[gad5264]

I have the Incra V27 and could not be happier with it.

[LarryG]

Gator, a miter gauge is used to hold and guide a workpiece when crosscutting, either at 90deg to the blade or at some other angle. Here's one in action. They can also be used on band saws, disc sanders, and various other tools. They consist of a guide bar that runs in a slot on the tool, and a movable head that can be set to the desired angle.

(I expect you knew what they are, but perhaps just didn't know them by name.)

[ragswl4]

Dumb newbie question, but what exactly is a miter guage used for and on what tools?

No such thing as a dumb question. If you don't know, you don't know. If you don't ask, you never will.

The most common use is on a table or band saw. They are used in crosscutting material at a variety of angles. They are also used by some woodworkers on a router table that has a miter gauge slot. You may also find them used on sanders.

It is an important accessory for woodworking simply because it is always important to be able to accurately cut the correct angle at the end of a board. The most common angle cut is 90 degrees.

Go to Incra.com and checkout their miter gauges. They make some of the best ones.

[radhak]

Are there any decent bargain miter gauges (~$30 or less) available anywhere? ...

With my experience of purchasing tools/accessories (particularly for woodworking), the best bargain you could treat yourself to, is buying a real good equipment at the first go, instead of buying a cheaper knockoff, getting frustrated trying to use it, finally accepting defeat, throwing it away and then buying the good one. DAMHIKT!

My v27 was my third MG, and the only regret when i got it, was why did i get the others... It's accurate, consistent, dependable and totally worry-free. The only thing you need to decide on is whether you want to buy it with the fence or not. The fence does add to the cost, but gives full value too, with the flip-stop and telescoping feature.

In any case, get the mg.

[tedkitch]

I have the one from the link above (Sears) and I've been very happy with it. I don't use it all that much (still learning more and more), but what I have needed it for it has been very good.

[eezlock]

decent bargain miter gauge?

If you want a good decent miter gauge.....like the others here have said...
get the Incra V27. It is the the best in my opinion, I have one and use it all the time, price is reasonable for a professional quality tool at a entry level
price. eezlock

[garymuto]

If you want the Incra V27 or 1000SE (my choice) I suggest that you go to Rockler. If you buy $30 minimum and sign up for Rockler rewards, you get $10 off. I think they sell it for $50.

[ragswl4]

With my experience of purchasing tools/accessories (particularly for woodworking), the best bargain you could treat yourself to, is buying a real good equipment at the first go, instead of buying a cheaper knockoff, getting frustrated trying to use it, finally accepting defeat, throwing it away and then buying the good one. DAMHIKT!

My v27 was my third MG, and the only regret when i got it, was why did i get the others... It's accurate, consistent, dependable and totally worry-free. The only thing you need to decide on is whether you want to buy it with the fence or not. The fence does add to the cost, but gives full value too, with the flip-stop and telescoping feature.

In any case, get the mg.

A two thumbs up on this post. I am a good example of this (sort of). I purchased a new table saw that came with a good miter gauge. Trouble is I didn't think it was good enough so I purchased the Incra V-27. Much better MG and one that will outlast me. So if you don't have a MG the V-27 is an excellent choice, the 1000SE even better. You'll never have to buy another one.